This article is from page 16 of the 2013-10-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
THE Burren region is set to lead the Irish tourist industry in a large scale transformation in how tourism in Ireland works. More than 200 people turned out for a major eco-tourism in Ennistymon last week, making it the largest conference of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland.
The conference, which was organised by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark LIFE Project, attracted delegates from emerging eco-tour- ism sports from all over the country.
The conference, which was entitled ‘Developing Sustainable Tourism Destinations’, also included a number of international leaders in sustainable tourism.
“A number of the younger delegates at the conference, the next generation of tourism managers, voiced the opinion that sustainability should not be an issue. They believe that it should automatically be a part of all we do, without question,” said Carol Gleeson of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark LIFE Project.
“If this is how the younger generation think, then there is definitely a future for sustainable tourism and all it stands for. We are already making a name for ourselves in sustainable tourism here in Clare. Both the Geopark [Burren and Cliffs of Moher] and Loop Head have been shortlisted for the Best Destination for Responsible Tourism Awards this year which is a great achievement.”
The conference attracted delegated from Achill Island, the Dingle Peninsula, Malin Head, Meath, Louth, Galway as well as 50 students from GMIT and from FETAC.
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark is a Clare County Council initiative. This ‘LIFE’ section of the project is 50 per cent funded by Europe with match funding is provided by the lead partner Clare County Council along with Failte Ireland, the Geological Survey of Ireland, Office of Public Works, National Monuments Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Heritage Council, National University College Galway and University College Dublin.